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TABLE OF
CONTENTS 6 14 22 26 34 38 42 44
CLUTCH Michelle Gunderson talks to Clutch’s Axeman, Tim Sults about their longevity and their upcoming 11th studio album. HALESTORM Our own, Will Plummer shares his conversations over dinner with Halestorm’s Bassist, Josh Smith. ONCE HUMAN Former Machine Head & Soulfly guitarist turned Producer/Mixer, Logan Mader, talks about the new project that brought him out of the studio and back on stage. PIGEON PARK These five guys from Vancouver should be #1 on your MUST GO TO list. BELVUE Two Australian expats and two Canadians make beautiful music together. DEKADES Meet Dekades - they’re ready to leave the nest. 240 Imagine if you can, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Soundgarden having a baby, and that baby is called 240. THE ARCHON PROPHECY Bringing back metal in all its fast, raw and gritty glory.
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STAFF
Shannon Ambrose Chief Managing Editor and Founder shannon@theportalmagazine.com
Dan Cay Graphic Design – Magazine Layout
Patrick Welling Promotions promotions@theportalmagazine.com
Kai Kieferle Business Manager kai@theportalmagazine.com
VISUALVENUE Website design and maintenance www.visualvenue.net
Writers & Contributors: Dave Fugett, Shawn Marie Watson, Will Plummer, Carrie Jo Ashmore, Rob Brown Chris Staniforth, Nathan Pike, Alex ClichĂŠ, Joey Stuckey, Michelle Gunderson, Angie Valente, Sandra Sigfusson, Raelyn Ross, Frankie James, Nicki Chang-Powless, Mike Forbes, Gene Schilling, Colin Everitt, Jimmy Taylor
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Did Ya Know? HALESTORM Halestorm and crew saw Mad Max Thunder Road in IMAX 3D opening night (Joe was sick). He saw it later, but not in 3-D, (it gives him a little vertigo). It was AMaZing! “Goliath” is guitarist, Joe Hottinger’s favorite coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain. Halestorm’s Tour bus is named “Bouncing Betty”. “Fan boy” Guitarist, Joe Hottinger saw Linkin Park for the first time, after Halestorm’s set at Rock and the Range, this year Joe attended Bloomsburg University, in Pennsylvania as a double Music Major. He dropped out of school for Halestorm. PORTAL MAGAZINE
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LITTLE PIECES
CLUTCH of
by: Michelle Gunderson
Photos by: Frankie James - Sun Stroke Photography
It’s quite unusual in this business to find bands that have been together since high school, and are still rocking hard and releasing albums over 24 years later. Clutch is one of those rare cases. Putting the final touches on their eleventh studio album, Psychic Warfare, scheduled for release in September 2015, they took “The Missing Link” tour on the road this spring/summer with Atlanta metalheads, Mastodon. During their stop in Edmonton, Alberta, I sat down with lead guitarist, Tim Sults to talk about their longevity in the business and what fans can expect with the new album. PORTAL MAGAZINE
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Michelle: So can you tell me a bit
Michelle: Like you’re Rock. Rock Alt
about the new album? What inspired
isn’t really your style. You’re ROCK,
you guys? Was there any event that
CLUTCH is Rock! Listening to you, I
sent you in the direction for this Al-
can’t put you in the Rock Alt. category.
bum? Have you changed anything up in
Clutch is still in the ROCK category.
regards to sound? Tim: We are definitely still in the Rock Tim: Well, the inspiration itself was
category for sure.
just us trying to write songs that we enjoy playing and enjoy listening to.
Michelle: I know some people say that
That’s usually the main inspiration for
you’re somewhat Metal but I wouldn’t
CLUTCH. That’s always the most im-
necessarily say you’re Hard Core Metal.
portant thing for us, not trying to be commercial, not trying to you know?
Tim: I’m going to go ahead and say that this new album is possibly our most metal album. At least maybe it’s the heaviest album, most fast paced album, but I’m pretty sure I said these exact same words for our last album. Michelle: Well, I have to say 11 albums is pretty good. I mean, not a lot of people or bands in the music business can stay around for that long. Usually, it’s an album or two if you’re lucky, right? Then they just peter out and they’re gone. Eleven is fantastic.
Tim: It’s pretty much something that “I tried the whole lessons thing when I was rarely happens these days. younger and didn’t grab onto it, probably largely because I didn’t enjoy being told what to do . . . “ PORTAL MAGAZINE
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“We’re always trying to artistically move forward, write new songs, and not get stuck in the past”
we’ve been, you know? We’re always trying to artistically move forward, write new songs, and not get stuck in the past. And, uh, I don’t know how or why people ask me all the time...how or why did you do it? I don’t know how or why. Michelle: I listen to a lot of music and there are bands that I hear and know they won’t make it for the long haul. And then there’s you guys, releasing your 11th album this fall. Being that you’ve been together since high-school, how is your dynamic? How do you find it working together after all these
Michelle: I think the way music now
years? You must have a very good rela-
a days is sometimes very commercial-
tionship with one another in order to
ized and so they just find somebody
travel and play with the same guys for
they think is going to sound good, they
such a long time.
make the money they can and then boot you’re done and next is someone
Tim: We’re all adults. I guess we’re a
new until they’re not “new”. I think it’s
rare group of people who can seem-
fantastic to see a band that has been
ingly get along for a whole tour and
around for as long as Clutch has. You met
you know, go home, take a couple of
in high-school, correct? And you still stay
weeks off and get together again and
together.
try to write some new songs. We’re just adults; we give each other space and
Tim: Uh, yeah, it’s pretty...pretty great. I mean we’ve always, to me anyways, it’s always felt like we’ve moving forward,
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don’t bother each other.
Michelle: That’s awesome to see such a strong, continuing relationship. In your new album, you try to write songs that are good and comfortable with you guys. Other than being a bit more Metal than your previous albums, what else can fans expect with this album? Tim: Uh... lots of riffs and high energy. Michelle: So we can safely assume that your 10th album was THAT good, your 11th will be that much better. Tim: I certainly hope so! To me it sounds slightly less...it sounds heavier and darker
“It’s pretty amazing that our fans are coming together and no one is leaving the show”
to me than Earth Rocker. Michelle: Expect more. What can people expect at your upcoming shows? Tim: We’re trying to slowly add songs Michelle: Do you get any breaks? What do you do when you have spare time to chill and relax? Do explore or sleep? Tim: It’s easier to explore cities in the UK, to walk around and enjoy historic sites. But honestly, on my days off my main priority is doing laundry.
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Michelle: What are your choice guitars for this tour? Tim: Well, on this tour I have 2 SG’s out on the road. I’ve been playing Les Paul for a few years. I played a Les Paul on the album as well. But on this tour I felt like I wanted to play an SG and try to beef up the sound. I’m honestly a happier person after the show if I’ve played an SG. I have fun playing with a SG, but sometimes I prefer the sound of a Les Paul. I’m trying SG’s on this tour and I am pretty happy with it. Michelle: Would you like to make any comments on behalf of your band mates? How are things going? How have you been enjoying the tour? Tim: It’s going great, the shows have been incredible. The show in Saskatoon was incredible; it’s only the 4th show of the tour. We love the Mastodon guys; we’re good friends with them. It’s pretty amazing that our fans are coming together and no one is leaving the show. It’s not like one band’s fans just come to watch that particular band. Michelle: How long did you guys spend in the studio on your 11th album? Tim: We went into the studio... Well, we tracked down in Texas for 3 weeks and then we came back up to Maryland to our rehearsal space and finished everything up. I believe our total recording time was 5 to 6 weeks. PORTAL MAGAZINE
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Michelle: Did you write your songs in studio? Or did you come together prior to write them? Tim: On this album, we’ve done the most pre-production we’ve ever done for any album. We actually did 4 sessions of pre-production over a 4 month period or so. By the time we got to the studio, we had most of the songs written but we did record a cover song and write another CLUTCH song in the studio. We recorded 13 songs, including the cover and at this point we are still undecided as to what will be on the album. We’re all happy with all the songs, so I would say for this album there is nothing that I feel needs to be left off. For this album, I am very happy with what we have recorded.
www.pro-rock.com Facebook/Twitter: www.facebook.com/Clutchband
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CONVERSATIONS OVER DINNER WITH
Halestorm by: Will Plummer
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y introduction to the Halestorm was through their One and Done EP, sometime before the 2009 self-titled album took the Airwaves, by well…storm. I found the disc in the now defunct Virgin Megastore Dump Bin. And as I
found myself recounting the tale to the band’s Bassist, Josh Smith, on a sunny and comfortable day in Anaheim, CA before their show, he couldn’t help but laugh at the idea of me spending hours rummaging through vats of CD’s looking for gems of music - and interesting album covers on the cheap. But, it was (and still is) SOP. I picked up the EP for $1, and all Josh could say to that was; “Sounds about right.”
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“I only ask one thing of you tonight, every time I say scream, you Scream!”
Into the Wild Life (and all previous) since its April release and it’s available now, everywhere! Lzzy Hale’s vocals are tighter than ever and the disc itself is full of surprises. Arejay’s drum solos match wits with Smiths tight fret walking and Joe Hottinger’s riffs - making …Wild Life a new direction for the band; but with a classic fuzziness. The hard-rocking lead track “Scream” - which, when seen live, becomes a mob ruled call and return as
So how did I find myself sitting across
Lzzy commands, “I only ask one thing of
from Halestorm’s rhythm master as he
you tonight, every time I say scream, you
finished a half-eaten plate of pasta and
Scream!” is something not to be missed.
something else I couldn’t identify? My
(See www.Halestormrocks.com now for
sister, Fay. First let me clarify. I have
tickets and dates!) The first two sin-
never swapped stories with a Bass player
gles, “Apocalyptic” and the more recent
over a meal in my life before. But, when
“Amen” have had regular showings on ra-
you’re on the road, you eat in-between
dio - and represent the offering well. But,
one thing and the next.
to get the full effect, the album is something that must be experienced from top
So, as he finished up dinner, I continued
to bottom. If fact, stopping in the middle
talking, “I had the disc for about a week
kills the mood; it can be done, but it’s not
before my sister borrowed it and I hav-
unlike walking in late to a midnight show-
en’t seen it since.”
ing of Rocky Horror, without the toast.
This brings us to the present. When I first
Into the Wild Life transitions from one
heard about this assignment - my sister
track to the next seamlessly, leaving your
encouraged me to take it, by purchasing a
ears open to surprises. It almost drops
ticket to the show. We have been enjoy-
you like a rock with the ballad “Dear
ing Halestorm’s latest offering,
Daughter” and then, through the balance
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of the tracks, including the singles and the earworm track, “New Modern Love”, with its infectious guitar riff, there are literally no breaks - just transitions - which, as it turns out, was the brain child of album producer, Jay Joyce, as Josh explains; “We had a lot of jam sessions throughout the recording process. And our producer, Jay, was pretty open in telling us that he loves transitions. And we were like ‘Yeah, that’s awesome.’ And then he came back with, ‘if I could connect every song on an album I would.’ It’s a nice, almost departure from the songs, but an amazing bridge to the songs. It’s a really fun thing to experiment with and, when it works, it’s amazing. And we’ve since added our own [transitions] to older songs when we play them live so it’s been great.”
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Will: It also opens the album up to sur-
and she’s just always doing it.
prises like “Dear Daughter” where you’re just kind of rockin’ along and then . . .
Will: You guys like to do cover albums two so far. How do those come togeth-
Josh: Yeah, you hit the brakes. You
er?
know, Lzzy had that song together for some time…I think it started after her
Josh: It’s a long process. The original
mother asked her, ‘Hey did I do a good
idea for doing the covers album was
job?’ It’s just this retrospective look on
as a place-hold in-between albums . .
raising Lzzy and Arejay. I’m sure every
. [when] we’re a few months out from
parent goes through that, just wondering
pulling the trigger on one and everyone
‘how was it?’ I just love where she took
gets involved. We just start an E’mail
it. It’s kinda yourself, telling your young-
thread and you end up with a million
er self…you’re going to have some hard
songs. Yeah, it’s hilarious. Oh my God
times, you’re gonna have some amazing
my dad! My dad hits me up once a week
times and everything’s gonna be okay.
with a cover song idea. And then, as we
The first time everyone on our team
get closer, we ask the fans. On the first
heard her do it, we were all balling . . . I
album . . . the fans wanted to hear, and
think it’s something everyone can relate
so we did a Lady Gaga song, [Bad Ro-
to. It makes me look at Lizzy and say
mance, see v] and we were like ‘Okaayay,
‘God Damn it! Why can’t I be this good
[Laughs]’. It’s a good lesson for us as a
at writing songs?’
band, to pick apart a song and see what makes it tick. It’s Music 101 for a band
Will: Well, she’s been doing it forever
to learn a song, rework it, and make it
right? Since she was like ten or some-
your own.
thing right? Will: Touring, being a road-warrior as it Josh: Well, yeah. She has sort of burned
were, is tough. How do you keep a sense
the writing process into her daily routine,
of normalcy?
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Josh: Well my wife keeps me in check every day, [laughs.]. I’m kidding I love my wife. I don’t think I’ve ever had experience with being ungrounded or unhinged or whatever, but um…she helps me with that. Our band is such a family vibe. When we first started touring it was Lzzy and Arejay’s mom and dad out with us and it was just a really quirky family vibe that weirded a lot of people out. But, I think…it really
“It makes me look at Lzzy and say ‘God Damn it! Why can’t I be this good at writing songs?”
grounded us from the beginning. Trust me. I think if they were not there, I would’ve gotten into a lot of trouble.
Will: That’s how it should be right?
Maybe at the time, I was annoyed by it. But looking back, I’m thankful
Josh: Absolutely, we work every day to
they were there to kind of keep us in
put on a better show than the last. If
line and looking at the big picture—to
you’re not getting better, you’re doing
make a career out of this.
something wrong.
Will: And in terms of the music …?
Will: Then you should retire right - say like Motley Crue?
Josh: We’re lovingly hard on each other, in that we want the best and we
Josh: [He laughs]; Yeah, I’m sure there’s
want to create the best show possible
always room for improvement, but if I
and get better every night. [That night
make it that long - shit, that’d be awe-
Lzzy was sick, and the show was amaz-
some if we could hang on that long.
ing!] I think as a musician that is the most humbling thing. Don’t ever think
Will: So, how did “Amen”, the new sin-
you’re God’s gift to Fuckin’ Rock n Roll.
gle come together?
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Josh: We’ve been saying it a lot; we’re
us . . . we were actually playing it live
all out of fucks to give. And I think Amen
before we went into the studio, we got
is kind of like that. The idea is that ev-
excited about it. Throughout the writ-
eryone has their driving force, that thing
ing process we just had a few songs,
that gets you excited and motivates you
Amen, and Apocalyptic and said; ‘alright
to go for it and live your life the way you
this is it, we found the direction and
want it. To pursue it, [life], head on, for
now let’s get this thing done.’
that love and not being affected by what other people think. If it’s something that
Will: And once you were in the studio?
you feel drawn to, then it’s something you should pursue. In my mind, hope-
Josh: The whole recording process was
fully it’s a positive thing.
so much fun. I think of it, like you know when you see a movie…but none of
Will: And the Album, how was this one
your friends have seen the movie, and
different, how did it come together?
all you want to do is talk about it with someone? That’s how it was with our
Josh: Mayhem was probably one of the
album. But, here we are two months
early tracks that came down the Pike for
down the road and hopefully people are talking about it.
www.halestormrocks.com www.facebook.com/halestormrocks PORTAL MAGAZINE
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ONCE HUMAN A MIX OF BRUTAL METAL & MELODIC TEXTURES by: Shannon Ambrose
T
welve years ago, Logan Mader put down his flying V and stepped off the stage, where he performed with such bands as Machine Head and Soulfly. Since then, he’s been in the studio, becoming a very successful and sought after producer/mixer, working with
the likes of Five Finger Death Punch, Gojira and Periphery. Comfortable being the guy behind the scenes, he had written off the performing part of his life. That is, until he met Ms. Lauren Hart, the multi-talented waif of a thing, with vocals that defy her looks. The creative spark hit him, and along with Damian Rainauld on bass and Ralph Alexander behind the drum kit, the foursome embarked on a new project called Once Human.
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Recently I was fortunate to catch up with Logan via Skype to talk about the new band and getting back on stage after so many years. Shannon: This project is very different, and Lauren’s voice is amazing. What was your first thought when you heard her sing? Logan: I was like ‘holy shit that just
“We’ve got high expectations, and taking over the world isn’t easy, but I’m gonna try”
came out of this girl right here’ I couldn’t believe it. It was such a contrast to her look. It’s just powerful, real
industrial sound design and other sound
and loud as fuck.
effects , be weird and creative with our arrangement. Just take risks because it
Shannon: How does this project differ
feels right. Just feeling it all the way and
from others you’ve been involved with?
feeling really good about it.
Logan: It’s got a unique sound that I
Shannon: You’ve said this music spoke
can’t really define. It doesn’t sound like
to you. What did it say?
any other band I’ve ever worked with or played in or heard. But at the same
Logan: It told me to pick up a guitar
time it’s really not that unfamiliar in
and get back out there. Get out of the
that world. It’s totally different than
studio and get back on stage. That’s a
anything I’ve ever done. The cool thing
big part of my life. With Machine Head,
at the beginning was I didn’t have any
and Soulfly and Medication, I got to
agenda. Just this really great sense of
travel all round the world, my childhood
creative freedom to be just as metal as
dreams coming true in a big way. Then
fuck, but also be whatever we wanted.
I took a turn and went into the studio
Use orchestral element, a little bit with
and started helping other people make
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“Just take risks because it feels right”
Logan: Yeah, over the years I’ve had people say ‘I want you to play in my band’ I thought about it a couple times but I never did. I really got comfortable with my life as a producer and a mixer. I was more focused about focusing my career in the world. In fact I thought that’s what I’d be for the rest of my life. I really didn’t think I would go back to where I am right now. Now that I’ve had time to think about it, I do miss it [performing]. I want to try and get it back. We’re putting a record out, we’ve got a booking agent. We’re gonna go on tour, hopefully all over the world. I’m taking a swing at it
music, and I made a pretty good name for myself doing that. I got pretty good at what I do. I love producing, I love mixing, I love song writing, but that part of me that wanted to be an artist, and wanted to perform was like ‘don’t forget about me, I’m still here and I’m not done.’ This band and Lauren are the things that got me out of the studio and back on stage, and it feels good. Shannon: Was this the first project you heard that made you want to get back on stage?
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for real this time. Shannon: You described the music as having “cinematic textures” what does that mean? Logan: The main thing I’m talking about there is orchestral elements, some use of cinematic type, industrial-ish or otherwise call it electronica sound design, atmosphere. In one song called “Ground Zero” there’s a 1:38 intro that’s all orchestral. It’s super epic, dramatic, amazing, beautiful and dark. Lauren wrote it.
She wrote it on her phone. She’s got crazy orchestras in her head that come from nowhere. This piece is one of those that has been in her head for a long time and hasn’t had a way to get out till we started working together. Shannon: Where does the project name come from? Logan: Once Human is the fall of humanity and what we’ve become over time. Our morals and values have been corrupted by society. We are no longer one, constantly at war with each other and divided by factors such as wealth, race, religion and politics. Shannon: Now that you’re planning to do both, performing and producing, do you have to be in a different mindset for each, or is it all just part of creative process? Logan: The obvious differences, for example, I have a studio in my house, I can go to work in my underwear, I
and the studio is more like the microscope and the laboratory and the pressures and the politics, it’s a much different world, but the same energy that’s driving us to do both those things is the passion for the music. Shannon: What is your vision for this project? Logan: We’ve got high expectations, and taking over the world isn’t easy, but I’m gonna try. With their sweeping metal sound, and Lauren’s epic vocals, I’m thinking world domination isn’t too far off the scale. Who knows, one day Logan might even perform in his underwear.
can’t do that when I go play a show, or I probably can. There’s more exciting adrenaline involved with the show,
www.facebook.com/oncehuman
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E I D IN
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#1 ON YOUR MUST GO TO LIST
PIGEON PARK by: Count One
W
ith their new album, t and first single “Break Me” now out, Vancouver favourites Pigeon Park are looking for their break out. This five piece has been pounding it out for seven years on the local circuit and with tours
across Canada under their belt including a stellar 2014 schedule opening for names like Aerosmith, Slash, and Sam Roberts they are ready for the big time, and so is their sound. We spoke briefly just before a practice session on a Tuesday night, and I wanted to know what their big take away was from their 2014 experiences. Lead singer Nick Weber answered first; “To watch these guys go out there and give it every night, night after night. We learned to stay tight and go out there and just play our songs and not try to fluff it up with anything other than a great live show. The bigger bands have amazing live shows and we learned to go out there and do the best live show we can.”
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It’s interesting he used the word
each track has a sound and vibe
“tight”, because that describes this
of its own. We talked about what
band perfectly. Their musicianship
matters most to them, their live
is very strong, having come from
performance and giving their en-
a variety of backgrounds in music
ergy over to the audience. They
they all learned the lesson to take
want to inspire creativity in their
this seriously and practice, work;
audience from their performance,
reach for something big. Nick is on
that’s the gold standard for their
lead vocals, Logan Pacholok does
performance.
guitar and vocals and Kevin Okabe also on guitar, all went to high
Reporters here at The PORTAL
school together. Artur Lepert on
Magazine think Pigeon Park has
bass and Hunter Elliot on drums
one of the best live shows in the
are also high school friends, and
independent scene right now;
the five piece met while members
after seeing them as part of JU-
of other bands in the Vancouver scene. They came together because they realized “we needed each other”. I can’t tell you if he’s right or not, but something good happened when they did. Their sound reminded me of Lenny Kravitz and at times a little Blackstone Cherry, if pressed to find a comparison, but you can’t use words like “generic” or “derivative” with Pigeon Park, as
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“ We’ve learned to go out there and do the best live show we can” NOFest 2013 in Regina, Saskatchewan
This focus on performance and giv-
and in Toronto for Canadian Music Week
ing to the audience has transferred
2014. Nick repeats himself; “You’ve got
to their videos. “Feel The Rain” and
to give it all to the audience.” And from
“Come Down Slow”, both available
him it doesn’t sound cheesy. Our report-
on YouTube, were directed by Hunt-
ers said this is a band that knows how to
er from concepts they all developed.
bring an audience to their feet and leave
These videos are intelligently written
them asking “who are these guys?” This
and highly produced. Obviously this
mentality may have something to do
band is not looking at one aspect
with their backgrounds, as a couple of
of their performance and persona.
them spent time in musical theater, and
They are taking the multi pronged
Hunter has been in front of the camera
approach and applying a level of
as an actor. PORTAL MAGAZINE
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thought found in more mature bands
driving beats and strong hooks, and
to all aspects of their art.
lyrics that do more than make you hear ‘Oh baby baby’; you like a live
Vancouver has been very good to
show by performers who want to
this band over the years. They have a
bring the house down, then Pigeon
solid following in the local scene and
Park is a band you should have high
are regularly on the road. They’ve
on your “Must Go To” list.
cut their teeth on the stages so many other hopefuls have played, but the big difference with them is their focus and their performance. If you like your rock real, straightforward, with
www.pigeonparkmusic.com www.facebook.com/pigeonpark
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LIVE ORIGINAL MUSIC TODAY By: ADAM G
BANDMATE PERSONALITIES
T
here are many styles of people out there. In life you have your “drivers”; the people who push for performance. You have your relationship
style people; the people who get value out of positive relationships with others, the analytical people who are methodical and like details in order, and then you have the colorful flamboyant people who are gregarious, creative, loud, and always excited. If you look at band members and start identifying the personalities you see on stage, you will see three styles, the Musician, the Artist, and the Performer. The Musician is the person who values the technical theory. They are concerned with harmony and not the just harmony around vocals but harmony in the sense that all the chords and notes are within the correct key signature and work together. This person knows their scales, understands what chord should or could come next in the arrangement. If you are not this person you should listen to them and consider what they say. The Artist is the person who is using the band format as a means of expression for an ideology, opinion, or to send a particular message. They can be abstract or right in your face. The Artist isn’t necessarily the person who cares about the harmony, being perfect
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or even correct, they strive for a feeling and/or a message. The artist wants to effect the thoughts and feeling of the listener or the show goer, around the message or the imagery they are presenting. Next you have the Performer. This band member gets off on being in front of people and strives to show off. Not that the other members don’t, but this person is focused on showing off, rocking out, and putting on a killer show. This is essential to a quality experience for the show goer. Which one are you, or what mix are you? Most people are a hybrid of these personalities with one being more prevalent then the others. All of these are key to a good product. You must be focused on the musicality of your product, you must also know what kind of message you are sending or what kind of influence you are trying to make. You must put on captivating shows as well, you must sound good, be good, and act good in order to prove to people you are good. What’s the mix like of these personalities in your band? Who are you? Knowing how each personality fits within your group, understanding the complexities and layers these personalities bring, adds harmony and charisma to your band.
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E I D IN
AY W E T A G
Belvue
TWO EXPATS AND TWO CANADIANS WALK INTO A BAR
S
by: Count One
ometimes we come across a band whose sound, music and presence is impressive enough, then we learn they’ve only been together for a few months and we’re blown away. How does a band that’s only been playing for a few months together
develop the simpatico these four possess? Belvue formed in 2014 – in the fall – and beat out 30 other bands to win this year’s Original Music Showcase at The Blind Beggar in Calgary. This is no small feat, this showcase and competition has three bands every Sunday night for 10 weeks. As the name suggests, it is focused on the bands playing their own compositions, with a small twist to reflect what real bands have to do to get gigs, this year they were allowed to perform one cover. Belvue blew away the judges this year. Featuring two Australian expats and two local boys, they formed in September 2014 and instantly began bringing a very large sound to the small stages local bands cut their teeth on. Thomas is out front as lead vocals and guitar. Dexter is on lead guitar, you can tell it’s him because he doesn’t like to wear shoes
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on stage. William is also from down
Thomas starts with, “For us the
under on the bass and Max sits
best take away is when an audience
behind the kit. Everyone of them
member comes up and says they
is eye candy for the young ladies
‘got it’ in some way, that our music
in their audience, but the appeal
inspired something within them.”
doesn’t stop at their appearances, it
William picks up on that; “We don’t
extends to the power of their per-
want to be an in-between band. Ei-
formance. If you close your eyes
ther it’s a strong, positive reaction or
you can see them playing with a
a moderate one. But we’d prefer an
full orchestra in five years, and they
extreme, negative or positive, rather
wouldn’t get lost in the process.
than a blasé reaction.” Thomas takes
William and Thomas were friends
the question again; “Sometimes
before coming to Canada and met
there is a place in a song where it’s
Dexter and Max through social con-
like in between that. The whole set
nections and a fortuitous ad on Kiji-
has that vibe where we’re like we
ji. Now they are working the scene here in Cowtown and abroad, going through the grinder so many bands go through. The five of us sat down at The Beggar and talked about their win over a pint and with a dinner crowd in the bar. Thomas, their front man, suggests their band’s obvious harmony is all about energy. “What do you want an audience to take away from a “Belvue” show?”
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want to be grooving. Dynamics is very
example of in between song and
important to us. We write songs just
music lyrics we’re developing it in a
to have harmonies, but if we feel it is
different way. We’re all involved in
becoming something else, we go for
the writing on that one. We’re just
it.” He clarifies this is in the creative
always looking for the extreme reac-
and performing process. He continues;
tion.”
“When we were developing ‘Capetown’ (a song on their WP) we started
It’s hard to imagine anyone in the
with the guitar vocals, and it became
audience not having either one, and
one of the easiest songs for us to learn
only the deeply cynical wouldn’t
because we did it section by section
have a positive one. This band
and just added on to it. For a more
makes a four piece sound like an
recent as yet unnamed song that’s an
eight piece. Their music is big and bold, and with a few songs out now
“ Dynamics is very important to us” PORTAL MAGAZINE
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“[We] want to eventually have a show that makes The Who look like The Monkees”
day I want someone to tell me that I was the best front man they’ve ever seen. That would by my goal one day. I want to eventually have a show that makes The Who look like The Monkees. Take the modern day boy band and tell them to fuck off.” Max jumps; “I think the best compliment comes from someone who really listened to the song and took something away
on Reverbnation you can hear what
from it. You get a lot of ‘that was su-
they are accomplishing.
per great’, but when someone comes up and tells you it really spoke to them
What’s a compliment to them? Dexter
that is the best reaction.”
picks up on this one; “It has something to do with who is giving the compli-
These are the answers of people who
ment. But being very new to perfor-
clearly care deeply about their sound
mance and to playing when somebody
and care deeply that their audience
who I appreciate their talent in my
is left with a moment, not just a great
mind that’s a more important compli-
show, to think about. I close by asking
ment. Thomas picks it up again; “One
them where they want to be in five years; all of them give me an answer that is largely the same. They want to be bigger than all their idols.
www.facebook.com/belvuemusic
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E I D IN
AY W E T A G
Meet The
Dekades By: Carrie Ashmore
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F
ronted by Arden Fisher, a five piece ensemble of mayhem have been rocking the Los Angeles area for the last two years, reminding the scene of what we’ve all been missing. No, not the
Bubble Gum Princess, not even the Jaded Female Rocker, but instead the, (dare I label it), the Industrial Rock sounds, Reznor left behind for the movies. And somewhere more mainstream than Ministry or KMFDM. Think here - if Garbage and Sioxsie and the Banshees hooked up in a drunken orgy and had a love child - yep, that’s it! Meet Dekades - they’re ready to leave the nest. What we see and hear - the band’s self-titled five track EP (if you can’t make a show) is available for download at your local digital store. (Check: http://www.dekadesofficial.com, for tour dates) The release is a tight collection of songs. “The Drones Are Coming”, the lead track, is a relentless barrage of guitar riffs with an abruptly explosive ending. While tracks like “Falling Up” represent a melancholy happiness musically, masked by a curiously disturbing lyric, Which is how Dekades likes it, as Fisher explains; Arden: We like to keep a little mystery - I guess that’s why we don’t have a lot out there about us. But, we’re all old friends; we’ve been in separate bands and done separate things. But, we came together to start this. The name Dekades - we’re all from different decades. So, we’re all different ages and we just formed together to do this project. Carrie: What about influences? Arden: We all have different influences. I have kind of a Gothy influence; you know, I love Nick Cave and Sioxsie and the Banshees. And our Drummer, [Chris Cano], is more like Funk and Groove stuff. The L.A. Scene is kinda like where everyone kind of knows each other . . PORTAL MAGAZINE
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. so we just wanted to see what would happen. Carrie: Your website claims there’s no leader of your group, so how does that work, musically? Arden: You know, it’s a little bit different every time, we rehearse a lot.
“We’re a band that likes to get together and jam”
We’re a band that likes to get together and jam. [Sometimes] I’ll come in with a guitar riff or even a structure of a whole song and we’ll jam it out, see what happens, and kind of place the pieces. Or . . . we’ll be in the room and the Bass Player, [James Carter], will start messing around with something and there comes the song. We’re all pretty diplomatic. Carrie: Do you feel that the differences in Generation help balance ego and the dynamic of the band? Arden: Definitely. I think we, the younger ones, learn from the older dudes. I’m blessed to have a Drummer and a Bass player who have a lot of information. And then we grow off of everyone. It’s a good environment.
Carrie: Who’s your lyricist and do you draw from life? Arden: That’s me. It’s a combination of everything. From life. From what’s going on in the room that day. From what’s going on in my crazy brain, [she giggles, with a touch of the maniacal]. Fake life real life, it’s a combination. Carrie: Which of course allows you to keep the mystery . . . Arden: Yea. I like to tell stories, and some stories are real, and some are not real. I don’t really like to explain what a song means . . . I like the audience to have their own perspective. Carrie: How did you get your start in the music scene?
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“I like to tell stories, and some stories are real, and some are not real“ Arden: I started playing guitar when I
Carrie: I think you stand out in a very con-
was 17. I would steal my brother’s guitar
fident way. Do you think, being female,
and play it when he wasn’t looking, [she
there’s more of a spotlight on you than on
chuckles]. And then I started playing in
most male lead bands?
garage bands and punk bands. And then I decided I wanted to sing in some bands
Arden: I steer a little bit away from it be-
and I just played in a lot of bands . . .
ing about a female fronted band. . . I know
like I played in a band called Blood Sur-
that is a big focus . . . I try to make it about
geon, which is a punk band that no one
the whole band . . . And our live show, is
knows about. I played guitar in a band
what we’re about.
called Cosmonauts . . . And then I started Dekades; when I decided to step forward as a front person - doing all the singing doing all the stuff.
www.dekadesofficial.com PORTAL MAGAZINE
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E I D IN
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240
Thank You Kijiji By: Shannon Ambrose
I
n this digital age, you can find any-
tion anyone else, I’m the guy.’ Well,
thing online; be it a place to live,
he was right, because once they all
furniture for the new digs, porn or
met, instantly it was obviously they
even bandmates. That’s how the guys
had, indeed, found the guy.
of 240 found each other. As bassist, Andrew Ford explained, “I posted an
Now you might be asking “what
ad on Kijiji, that’s how we all met. I
the heck does 240 mean?” (or not).
give it all up to Kijiji, without that I
Well, I did. It was the street bass-
wouldn’t have found these guys.”
ist, Andrew grew up on in the small
First came guitarist, Scott Hunter,
town of Priddis, nestled in the foot-
then Jordie Litz for behind the kit, all
hills of the Rocky Mountains, just
that was left were the vocals. After
outside of Calgary, Alberta. He has
auditioning roughly nine different
special memories of writing tunes
hopefuls, they still hadn’t found that
on his guitar on 240th Street, and
“right” fit yet. That is, till Bradley
he shared those memories with the
Meunier answered their ad. Accord-
guys as they were trying to come up
ing to Andrew, Bradley simply said
with a name for their new project.
‘I’m the guy for you, don’t even audi-
As it turns out, 240 works in other
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ways for this foursome, as two of them are getting into their 40’s and the other two are still in their 20’s. Add in the fact that it’s short and sweet, easy to remember and sticks out, being just numbers. Brilliant! 240’s sound could be described as Red Hot Chili Peppers meets Soundgarden, and when talking to Andrew about their music, it makes perfect sense now. Said Andrew, “When I met Scott he was into bands like Pearl Jam and stuff like that, where me and Jordie were Chili Pepper fans. So we kinda just put our styles together, and it just evolved into a sound.” Whatever comparisons you would make though, 240’s mix of funk infused with rap and hard pounding grungy rock is very much THEIR sound, with
to open for bigger bands. According to
a style and attitude all its own.
Andrew, “It doesn’t have to be Red Hot Chili Peppers, by the way, it would be
Just babies, as a band goes, 240 has only
sweet. If Chili Peppers came to town,
been playing in the local scene for just six
look up 240 because we’re ready for ya.
months, but all talented, seasoned musicians. “We hit the ground running” says
Indeed they will be the next time Antho-
Andrew.
ny, Flea, Chad and Josh come to town.
Currently, 240 is working on an EP for release later this year, as well as a music video, which you’ll be able to see on Youtube shortly, but they say their biggest goal is www.facebook.com/240Funk
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E I D IN
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THE ARCHON PROPHECY METAL THE OLD WAY By: Shannon Ambrose Metalheads rejoice! Your music genre of choice is alive and well in Calgary, Alberta. Rising from the ashes of the project, Archelaos, The Archon Prophecy is four guys (Darren Schuh (Guitars / Lead Vocals), Keith Branston III (Guitars / Backup Vocals), Chris Curtis (Drums) and Blake O’dell (Bass) who know how to shred. When I recently sat down with Keith and Blake, of course the first thing I had to ask was, ‘what is the Archon Prophecy?’ after an exhaustive Google search brought up nothing. Thinking I’d find some ancient secret society connection, or something, Keith brought my imagination back down to the ground; “It’s just a name. He continued, “It came from Darren, the guitar player. It was one of those names he had. We changed our name from Arche-
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laos to The Archon Prophecy mainly be-
When I asked about their sound, and if the
cause we were getting a new singer, and
long, musical explorations was a purpose
we wanted a whole new name, new look.”
decision, Keith responded, “No, the sound
I suggested they come up with some ex-
just came along. Darren and I have always
otic back story for such a mysterious band
been a good match guitar wise. So when-
name.
ever we sit down and write, the ideas are so much the same they just kind of evolve
The Archon Prophecy won the Wild Card
into ‘well let’s extend this one a little bit,
spot in the Blind Beggar Pub’s Original Mu-
let’s extend that one a little bit.’ We nev-
sic Showcase 2015 (OMS) and ended up
er push anything away, and the music just
taking third among the four bands compet-
works and flows.”
ing in the finals. After impressing the panel of judges in their first round of competi-
So now that they have OMS under their
tion, it was clear they stepped things up
belt, it’s time to get back down to the
when given a second chance to crack the
business of music. They are demoing and
top three.
talking about recording an album, which they plan to start working on at the end of
Their reaction to the surprise finish was, to
the summer. They would like to release
say the least, a shock. As Keith explained,
their first full length album, and with al-
“Absolutely! We’re a metal band in a Rock
ready having the ideas in place, including
Comp - not even a Rock Comp, an Indie
album art and discussions with a studio/
Comp.” Of course they couldn’t resist the
producer the vision to bring their brand of
challenge, and decided to enter anyway.
metal to the recorded realm should be as seamless as their song writing.
With epic, sweeping metal riffs their music takes you back to the days when metal was in its infancy, when you had bands like Metallica, Slayer and Anthrax, who didn’t care about hair product, eyeliner or spandex. The Archon Prophecy is true metal; raw, gritty and fast.
www.facebook.com/TheArchonProphecy
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ON THE NEXT ISSUE OF THE PORTAL AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH
MOIST
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